Saab's 9-3 is small on bling, but big on uniqueness
Published Thursday November 20th, 2008
It was driving up a stretch of Ontario's Highway 69 between the Muskoka's and Britt that I got my first taste of Saab's aviation-rooted personality.
I'd been cruising the familiar route in a 9-3 Aero for several hours. It was dark- well past midnight. The 'night-panel' dash function cancelled out unnecessary instrument illumination, and no traffic or wildlife was present as far ahead as the adaptive xenon lights could see.
A spontaneous jab on the throttle was followed almost instantly by a firm downshift and wooshy surge of potent and graceful acceleration. As the turbo crammed cold October air into the engine, turbine-like sound effects gently made their way into the cabin.
9-3 Aero is neither a loud nor frighteningly quick car- though its unique aircraft-inspired performance comes with a definite smile-factor.
A high-performance version of the standard 9-3, the 'Aero' is powered by an award-winning 280 horsepower engine that's backed by some performance-enhancing goodies.
Saab's advanced all wheel drive technology, called Cross Wheel Drive (XWD), was on board too.
In addition to actively distributing power between fore and aft axles in an intelligent and pre-emptive manner, the system's rear diff can momentarily ease back on torque delivery to either rear wheel during steering maneuvers.
This generates a planted and stable handling feel that's free of annoying early intervention from stability aids.
The end result is a sure footed grip on any surface, as well as a delightfully lively and agile feel. 9-3 is very tidy in most any handling situation- and very much an all-season driver's car.
Some don't see the $54,000 price-tag in the exterior styling, but the interior of the fully-loaded tester was packed with everything Saab has to offer.
It included a full selection of automatic and power accessories, navigation, Bose audio, a sunroof and memory seating.
Leather wraps the steering wheel, seats and door panels, and aluminum trim combines with rubberized controls for a sporty yet reserved atmosphere.
Materials quality is about par with the price-range, and the cockpit shows off a typically Scandinavian approach: unique, conservative, very comfortable and well laid out.
Mostly, that is. The pop-out cup-holder on the dash borders on useless, and the cruise controls, though simple to use, are awkward. Wind and road noise are kept in check as the taut ride reminds drivers constantly of the machine's sporty side. On rougher roads, suspension noise can become intrusive- the price paid for the rewarding handling.
There's an adequate level of storage for at-hand items and a decent amount of trunk space inside too- though rear-seat accommodations may feel snug for grown-ups. No issues were noted with visibility, but a parking radar system was included- just in case.
The heart of the 9-3 Aero is a 2.8 liter turbocharged V6 which deploys a hearty torque curve across the rev-band once initial turbo-lag is overcome. The turbo operates with no notable sound, and the smooth, potent mill leaves a mellow, warm exhaust note in its wake. Lots of power is available when needed, as is quiet and efficient operation when it's not. Mileage averaged around 10.5L / 100km. Premium gasoline, of course.
A six-speed automatic with manual mode offered a pair of small shift buttons mounted to the steering wheel for thumb-operated gear changes.
Things work best left in drive- as the manual mode is somewhat sluggish to react and doesn't rev-match its downshifts like most competitors.
Driven gently, you'd be hard pressed to feel a shift- although the drivetrain can shudder and lurch if geared down hard in manual mode.
In all, this isn't the fastest, most powerful or largest all wheel drive sedan you'll find for the price- and a slew of worthy German, American and Japanese products call out for your fifty-plus grand just as loudly.
The Swedish contender comes with sportier looks and less pretentious bling than the majority of them, though.
It's available in a wagon too- so it represents a fantastic choice for the active buyer who doesn't want to call off their plans when the weather turns bad.
There are better ways to look like you spent big bucks on a premium sedan- though 9-3 is tops if you'd rather fly under the radar and not lose your ride in a sea of more generic-looking competition.
Saab 9-3 Aero XWD
Engine: 2.8 liter V6, turbocharged, intercooled, 280 horsepower
Drivetrain: AWD "Cross Wheel Drive (XWD)"
Avg Mileage: 10.5L/100km
Transmission: six-speed automatic with manual mode
Features: Bose audio, navigation, NightPanel display, active headlights, automatic lights and wipers
What's Hot: sporty and powerful, distinctive looks, powerful and fun to drive, safe and comfortable
Base Price:$43,990
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